Manchester United need to further indulge Luis Nani, apparently

Manchester United go to Brag tonight, with the aim of putting knockout stage qualification to bed after four games, and the their opponents’ coach, Jose Peseiro, has been having his say on Luis Nani.

“If he doesn’t play, it is not easy for him. He doesn’t feel well when he doesn’t play – because he likes to play. All players have different personalities. Sure, the English players don’t need too much support, but the Portuguese, Brazilian and Spanish players need more emotional contact. Sir Alex Ferguson can’t speak differently to him than to the others. But I know some players need more. Nani needs more, I think.”

Quotes - The Independent

Completely disagree. Someone actually needs to sit Nani down, and brutally highlight the deficiencies in his game - because however he’s been treated before clearly hasn’t had the desired effect.

I hate hearing managers advocate the soft treatment of players, because it really just amounts to indulging them. This isn’t a 19 year-old kid anymore, this is a player whose progression has seemingly flatlined and who needs a bit of a metaphorical slap.

It’s hard for him not to play, is it? Well maybe he should react to that like most adults would to a situation where their professional credentials are being questioned - identify areas in which to improve.

Just giving him a cuddle and stroking his hair is not going to encourage that.

“Use the ball better, or you’re being sold” - Sir Alex Ferguson should have that ironed on to Nani’s training kit.